Print an envelope with the address in the right place
Choose your envelope, type the two addresses, and print it on your own printer. The template puts the address where USPS's machines read it and keeps the barcode strip clear, all in your browser, with no sign in and nothing sent to us.
Print at 100%, which some print windows call Actual size, and never at Fit to page, because scaling moves the address out of the area USPS reads. This template prints addresses only. A tracked letter also needs a USPS barcode above the address, and that comes with a PigeonTrail account, which prints the barcode for each letter on our server and is free for your first 100 letters a month.
Envelope sizes
Updated October 20, 2026. Placement follows section 202 of USPS's Domestic Mail Manual, and prices are USPS's since October 4, 2026.
Every size below is one you can pick in the template, and you can type any other size as a custom one. A letter can be at most 11 1/2 by 6 1/8 inches and 1/4 inch thick, so anything bigger goes as a large envelope, which costs more.
| Envelope | Size in inches | To USPS it is |
|---|---|---|
| #10 | 9 1/2 by 4 1/8 | a letter |
| #9 | 8 7/8 by 3 7/8 | a letter |
| #6 3/4 | 6 1/2 by 3 5/8 | a letter |
| A2 | 5 3/4 by 4 3/8 | a letter |
| A7 | 7 1/4 by 5 1/4 | a letter |
| A9 | 8 3/4 by 5 3/4 | a letter |
| 6 by 9 | 9 by 6 | a letter while it bends and stays under 1/4 inch thick |
| 9 by 12 | 12 by 9 | a large envelope, which costs $1.69 for 1 ounce |
A square envelope costs $0.49 more than its stamp, because USPS calls a letter nonmachinable when its length divided by its height is under 1.3 or over 2.5, and the template warns you when a custom size falls outside that range. The letter checker works out the exact postage for any size, thickness and weight.
Questions
How do I print an address on an envelope without Word?
Pick your envelope size above, type the return address and the address you're sending to, and press Print. In the print window, choose your envelope size as the paper, set the scale to 100% or Actual size, and feed the envelope the way your printer's manual shows. You can also choose Save as PDF there to keep a copy.
Where does the address go on an envelope?
USPS asks for the address you're sending to inside its machine read area, which runs from 1/2 inch in from the left and right edges and from 5/8 inch to 2 3/4 inches above the bottom edge. Your return address goes in the top left corner, the stamp goes in the top right corner, and the bottom 5/8 inch of the right side stays blank for the barcode USPS prints on letters. The template puts everything in those places.
How big is a #10 envelope?
A #10 envelope is 9 1/2 by 4 1/8 inches. It holds a letter size sheet folded in thirds, or a trading card in a toploader.
How many stamps does a #10 envelope need?
One Forever stamp, which costs $0.82, covers a #10 envelope that weighs 1 ounce or less. Each ounce over that adds $0.29, and a letter can weigh up to 3.5 ounces.
Should I print the address in capital letters?
USPS prefers it. Its rules ask for type at least 8 points tall and say capital letters and a plain sans serif font are preferred, which is why the template uses both unless you turn capitals off.
Why did the address print in the wrong place?
Usually the print window scaled the page to fit, or the envelope sizes didn't match. Set the scale to 100% or Actual size instead of Fit to page, choose the same envelope size as the paper, and try once on a sheet of plain paper first.
Want to know when it arrives?
PigeonTrail prints the USPS barcode with the address and shows you every scan. Your first 100 letters each month are free.